2016 summer internship playbook

S U M M E R P L AY B O O K 2 0 1 6

On behalf of our PS&E family, it is my pleasure to welcome you home

for the summer! Not only do we have a thrilling program planned for

you, but you’re getting to experience PS&E at a really exciting time –

the Pistons made it back into the Playoffs this year, and we’re heading

into one of our best concert seasons yet at DTE Energy Music Theatre,

Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, and now Freedom Hill. You’re going

to see and learn a lot this summer, so take it all in and start thinking

about what your role is here and how you can be impactful.

This is Detroit, so you know we need you to be ready to work hard

and hustle through the summer, but I also want to challenge you to

find out what it means to RISE, HALO and LEAP here at PS&E. You’ll

see these words and acronyms posted throughout our building – use

your resources, ask questions and discover their meaning and

why they’re important to us.

DENNIS MANNIONPresident & CEO

Palace Sports & Entertainment

W E L C O M E T O

DETROIT

Our Human Resources team believes it’s our mission to be the heart of the Front Office

and keeping it strong and healthy is one of our main goals. You’re here because we look

for those who will help us grow as a company and those who are capable of growth

themselves. We’ve built our internship programs to provide you with real life experiences

in the sports and entertainment industry that you can both see and feel. Specifically, the

program is intended to be a coaching and development experience, and one that fully

prepares you for what’s next.

We want to encourage you to use the entire PS&E family as resources – our team will of

course be here throughout every step of the way, but you should meet and experience

people from all our departments and at all levels of our company. Make the most out of

these next few months, and you’ll also soon learn that it will be worth it. You’re going to

receive mentorship, learn from past PS&E interns, tackle a real life business challenge and

much more. If we’ve been successful, this experience will leave you with confidence, new

friends, and just a bit of that Detroit swagger.

Best of Luck,

PS&E HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM

CANDACE YOUNKINSSenior Manager,

Organizational Development

LAUREN LAPARLRecruiting Coordinator

JOE GRABOWSKIMailroom Coordinator, as part of the Talent Bench Program

JOE WALSHSenior Vice President,

Human Resources

RYAN HARTSenior Manager,

Human Resources

JUSTEN JOHNSONHuman Resources Generalist

SHANE SMOLAKHuman Resources

Coordinator

THE PALACE OF AUBURN HILLS

DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE

FREEDOM HILL

MEADOW BROOK AMPHITHEATRE

C O M PA N Y I D E O L O G Y

KAITLYN COZENSCommunity Relations Intern

University of Michigan

“I am DETROIT HEART because my passion reflects through my work and attitude. It also applies to me because Community Relations is all about giving back to those in the community and giving with authenticity that is from the heart.”

MADELINE LUCCIBrand Networks Intern

Michigan State University

“I am DETROIT HUSTLE because I want to show my commitment, to the company and Detroit, through my hustling nature and hard work with every task I am given.”

ROBERT MOYERBrand Networks Intern


“I am DETROIT GRIND because I know there are going to be challenges in life, but at the end of the day it’s all on me to grind through and come out on top.”

SARAH NEUMANNVenue Event Operations Intern

Central Michigan University

“I am DETROIT GRIND because this embodies my work ethic and my commitment to anything at any given moment.”

JUSTIN CLAREMANMarketing Intern

University of Wisconsin

“I am DETROIT HEART because I respect the heart of the Pistons playoff teams and feel that this embodies my approach to all projects I am tasked with.”

MITCHELL ACHESONMarketing Intern


“I am DETROIT PROUD because it takes someone who has truly and personally experienced the city to realize its worth. I also believe it is the duty of those who recognize Detroit’s potential to showcase their pride and stand with the city they believe in.”

MADISON NOLLGroup Sales Intern


“I am DETROIT HEART because I put my full heart into the work that I do and am always striving to help others.”

SAMANTHA BERRYHILLPremium Sales Intern


“I am DETROIT HEART because of my kind, caring and respectful personality. I also put my heart in everything I do, whether it is through my job, giving back to the community or by showing my love for the city of Detroit.”

FRANKIE JOUBRANFan Development Intern

Belmont University

“I am DETROIT GRIND because I believe that every day you should grind and work to reach your goals.”

ARIANA CASSELLSFinance Intern

University of Miami

“I am DETROIT GRIND because whenever I am faced with a challenge, I will grind through it no matter how hard it may be.”

MATT MERGENERSummer Sales Consultant


“I am DETROIT HEART because I have been a Detroit sports fan since I was born. The teams have a special place in my heart and I will support them through the good times and bad.”

JASA BROCHETTISummer Sales Consultant

Robert Morris University

“I am DETROIT HEART because I put my whole heart into what I love; this includes sports and everything about the game. Moving to Michigan is a little scary but I know my Detroit Heart will push me to my limit to succeed.”

JILLIAN FISCHERMarketing Intern

Miami University – Ohio

“I am DETROIT PROUD because I am proud of my state and everything that comes with it. Since I go to school in Ohio, I make it known that I am from Detroit, as being from Detroit made me who I am today.”

LEXI BRINZACorporate Partnerships Intern


“I am DETROIT STYLE because I think style comes from doing things in your own way, which is an approach I prefer to simply following a standard path without question.”

MATT CULLENCorporate Partnerships Intern

University of Southern California

“I am DETROIT PROUD because as a native Detroiter, I know the truth about all of the fantastic things happening within the city, and I proudly wear my Detroit gear every day in California to spread the message.”

MITCH ROBINSONCorporate Partnerships Intern

Northwood University

“I am DETROIT GRIND because I understand the hard work that is needed day in and day out to get where you want to be.”

ALLISON PEREZEvent Coordination Intern

University of Notre Dame

“I am DETROIT GRIND because I think being able to overcome any obstacle and grind through when times get tough is one of the most valuable qualities a person can have.”

JULIET SANFORDEvent Coordination Intern

Western Michigan University

“I am DETROIT GRIND because though I’ve been given some awesome opportunities, they are things that I have worked for and fought hard to achieve.”

CONNOR DIAMONDSummer Sales Consultant

University of New Hampshire

“I am DETROIT GRIND because I think that almost everything in life is a grind. Being able to grind is what makes you who you are.”

DENNIS GROVERSummer Sales Consultant

Clemson University

“I am DETROIT GRIND because this is what motivates me to keep working hard while I am in the office or at school. The only way I am going to be successful is if I continue to grind.”

NICHOLE JOSEYPistons Entertainment Intern

University of Michigan – Flint

“I am DETROIT HEART because I love everything our organization stands for and does both on and off the court. I represent the Pistons everywhere I go because it holds a special place in my heart.”

PATRICK DUGGANPS&E Community Outreach Intern


“I am DETROIT PROUD because I am proud that I can call Detroit home and of the tremendous comeback that it is making.”

DENZELL BLOCKETTPS&E Rotational Intern


“I am DETROIT HUSTLE because a person has to always be willing to take every opportunity in the quest for success and that is how I operate.”

NICO POTESTIVOPS&E Rotational Intern


“I am DETROIT HEART because I think it reflects my determination and motivation.”

ERIN ALBRECHTProgramming & Productions


“I am DETROIT HEART because I grew up in Michigan and have always followed the Detroit sports teams, and through that I have always felt a connection to the city.

2 0 1 6 S U M M E R I N T E R N R O S T E R

TOURS OF THE PALACE & THE PISTONS PRACTICE FACILITYMembers from our Human Resources team will be giving tours of The Palace of Auburn Hills and the Pistons Practice Facility. All interns are welcome to join!

CHALK TALK WITH DENNIS MANNIONYou will be meeting with Dennis Mannion, President and CEO, to dive deeper into our Vision, Order, and Ideology. Come prepared, alert, and ready to take notes and ask questions!

LEARNING LABSPS&E team leaders host monthly Learning Labs that are meant to educate all team members on our business, how we do work, and why. They will not only keep us all current, but the goal is to teach and deepen our collective knowledge around our purposes and how we all get our work done collaboratively. Throughout the summer, you will be able to attend three different learning labs – invites will be sent from Pistons HR via email during May, June, and July.

BUSINESS CHALLENGE COMPETITION Each of you will be placed into a cross-departmental team and assigned a mentor from the Executive Team to participate in our second annual Business Challenge Competition! Your team will tackle a real-life challenge that the business is currently facing, present your solution to the Executive Team, and the winning team will take home a prize and official bragging rights! More details for the challenge will be presented within the next month including your team, mentor and topic – stay tuned!

MENTORSHIPThis summer you will not only have the opportunity to be mentored by a PS&E employee, but you’ll also get a chance to mentor one of Detroit’s youth as part of our partnership with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) Program! You will be asked to give advice, answer questions and form relationships with your mentee and receive this back from your mentor in order to strengthen your knowledge in the sports and entertainment industry.

METRO DETROIT YOUTH DAY We will be volunteering at the Metro Detroit Youth Day on Belle Isle. Alison Roscoe, Director of Partnership Development, will be coordinating this event, and it’s always a favorite! The idea behind Metro Detroit Youth Day, the largest youth event in Michigan, is to bring together metro Detroit area youth from all walks of life for a day of sports, fun, and constructive activities, and to show them that business people, the community and the food industry cared about them and respect them. Stay tuned for more details to come.

SOCIAL EVENTSWe have planned a few social events we hope everyone can attend throughout the summer. One of these events will be spending an evening at Comerica Park to watch our Detroit Tigers in a suite with dinner provided! More information for this event will be communicated during Round 3.

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PROFESSIONAL PREP DAY WITH THE WHERE ARE THEY NOW PANELThis is a great opportunity to gain feedback on your resume, ask questions regarding cover letters, practice your interviewing skills, network with other interns, and develop your LinkedIn page and personal brand. We will also be taking professional headshots, so dress and prep appropriately! To complete the day, we’ll be joined by several PS&E summer intern alumni during a panel session to hear their stories and advice, and we hope to spend some time with them during a dinner or a networking/social outing.

RISE: INTERNSHIP REFLECTION WITH YOUR MANAGER Your manager will be completing the Intern RISE Form and reviewing it with you. This is intended to help you Realize, Improve, Share, and Expand your talents as you leave PS&E and take the next steps of your career. You will complete this during your final week at PS&E.

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2 0 1 6 S U M M E R I N T E R N S C H E D U L E

ANKITA BHATIANew Business Development at GoogleCorporate Partnerships Intern, Class of 2015

My internship at PS&E gave me a deep knowledge about the strategies behind sport sponsorship and business development. Every day was a new learning and challenging experience by analyzing

potential customers and supporting the preparation for pitching them. When we did the Business Challenge, it was a very exciting, but challenging and nerve racking experience. Having the opportunity

to collaborate ideas with a small group to pitch to our Executive Team was one of my favorite memories because it gave me an outlook on what happens every day in the industry.

Be inquisitive, be proactive and ask a lot of questions. Do not wait to get a job assigned to you. Ask people what they do and how you may help them to get things done. Introduce yourself to people from other departments. Do research about the company goals, strategies and main challenges. Look for ways and ideas of how to do things differently and more creatively. But most importantly, be open to learn, work until the job is done and participate in projects and events.

ASHLEY MAUECommunity Relations Coordinator at Palace Sports & EntertainmentBrand Networks Intern, Class of 2013

My internship gave me an understanding of the fast-paced, unpredictable world of sports. It helped me to become more flexible and allowed me to make the connections necessary to develop my

career. I loved the relationships I developed throughout the program. I grew close with my fellow interns, my team, as well as other departments and it has made my time with PS&E unforgettable.

The connections I made even allowed me to come back after a brief time away.

My advice would be to show your passion, make connections and be persistent. If you work hard and expand your network, you will have the opportunity to grow your career in the sports industry.

TROY WITTMember Development Associate at the Miami DolphinsCorporate Partnerships Intern, Class of 2014

My internship provided me with a vision on how to have a successful career in the sports industry through the leadership I observed and experiences I had. I began to grow an important network in

this transient and small industry while also making amazing friends amongst the interns. I had the opportunity to connect with executive level leadership and ask them questions about their careers.

This experience led me to obtaining an internship the following summer with the Pittsburgh Pirates and then my job with the Miami Dolphins. This internship with PS&E means you will leave this summer with

much more confidence towards your career and personal development, as well as potentially discovering where your true passion lies.

Make the most out of your very limited time to be a part of this amazing opportunity by being a “yes” man or woman. Anytime there is a chance to do something, whether it be to observe, brainstorm, create, meet your co-workers, or step out of your comfort zone, do it! The best way to learn is to do and sometimes even fail. Definitely take time to speak with people in different departments to find where your skill set and passion may be upon entering into the workforce. More than anything, come with a positive attitude and great effort - your future is about to change for the best!

ADAM BANCHIUMember Engagement Coordinator at Palace Sports & EntertainmentMarketing Intern, Class of 2013

My internship with PS&E prepared me for my career by providing me with the opportunity to have exposure to several aspects of both the organization and the sports industry in general. I was able

to gain an understanding of how the individual departments rely on one another to be successful. I loved being able to collaborate with fellow interns while working together on projects. To this day, I

am still very close with former interns and we keep in touch on a regular basis.

Try not to limit yourself to just the department you are assigned and always be willing to help with projects within other departments in any way needed. Coworkers will be more likely to remember and assist you in the future if you have been involved in a project with them rather than just being introduced. While networking is important, it is even more important to be genuine in your efforts and do what you say you and going to do at all times.

JORDAN WALKEREvent Coordinator at Palace Sports & EntertainmentVenue Event Operations Intern, Class of 2015

The biggest benefit I received from the program was that it was a great opportunity to learn about my personal/professional strengths in organization, communication and management. So many

times, people will do anything to work in sports – but why go to a job every day that you don’t love? It also demonstrated to me the true reality of the entertainment and behind the scenes roles of the

business. I have a deeper appreciation and a more watchful eye any time I am at a large event or concert now! The guidance, support and culture of PS&E is unlike any other sports environment I have worked in

and I am more than blessed I am able to advance my career here.

Meet with employees outside of your department. My favorite quote was “it’s not about what you know, but who you know,” when in all reality it’s not always about who you know but who knows YOU. Form relationships with as many people as possible because this industry is small but once you’re in, you’re in. You more than likely won’t get your dream job right out of college, but if you go that extra inch to network, learn about the industry and genuinely care about helping those around you, I promise it will be noticed! Also, write thank you cards, it goes a long way.

CAMERON BARRETTAssistant Director for Annual Giving at Auburn Athletic DepartmentCorporate Partnerships Intern, Class of 2013

The main way PS&E prepared me for my career today was by teaching me the importance of remaining calm, cool, and collected. When it comes to the sports industry you will come to learn

there are some things you can’t control. My PS&E supervisor once told me “perception is everything.” As soon as you allow your emotions to get the best of you its game over so remain calm, think on your

feet and come up with a solution to whatever problem it is you’re facing. Before PS&E, I had no previous experience working in sports, minimal knowledge about how the industry operated and was extremely

green. After four months I couldn’t believe how much I grew professionally, mentally and personally all thanks to my team who was willing to teach when I was eager to learn.

The sports industry can be a grind, it comes with its own unique set of challenges and pressures and it is easy to allow these distractions to become the major focus. To be successful, you need to learn how to cope with such obstacles and still maintain a positive mental attitude. Take this internship as an opportunity to start and or expand your own professional network for it is one of the most valuable assets for a young professional wanting to be in sports. Everyone in the industry is very well connected – everyone seems to know someone in some way, shape or form. Finally, I suggest you embrace the power of yes. Saying yes is a double-edged sword, sometimes yes may result in a project you really enjoy or you may be assigned a task that is mundane. Regardless, remember that having the option of saying yes means someone believes that you can achieve something; take the opportunity as a compliment, harness the confidence other people have in you and don’t second guess yourself.

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2016 summer internship playbook

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